Means for removing superfluous solder from sheet-metal cans.



No. 727,324. PATENTBD MAY 5, 190's.

' o. s. FELLOWS.

MEANS FOR REMOVING SUPERFLUOUS SOLDER FROM SHEET METAL CANS.

APPLICATION FILED 0013.31, 1902.

no MODEL. 7 SHEETS-SHEET 1.

Mum! 4A No. 727,324. PATENTED MAY 5, 1903, 0. S. FELLOWS.

MEANS FOR REMOVING SUPERFLUOU S SOLDER FROM SHEET METAL CANS.APPLICATION FILED 0013.31, 1902.

no 1101121.. 7 SHEETS-SHEET 2.

No. 727,324. PATENTED MAY 5, 1903.

0. s. FELLOWS.

MEANS FOR REMOVING SUPERPLUOUS SOLDEB. FROM SHEET ME'IIAL CANS.APPLICATION FILED 00T.31, 1902.

NO MODBL, 7 SHEETS-4313B! 3.

WW saws.

PATENTED MAY 5, 1903. '0. S. FELLOWS. MEANS FOR REMOVING SUPERFLUOUSSOLDER FROM SHEET METAL CANS.

APPLICATION FILED OCT. 31, 1902.

7 SHEETS-4115M 4.

No. 727,324. PATBNTED MAY 5 190a.

. -0. s. FELLOWS. MEANS FOR REMOVING SUPERFLUOUS SOLDER FROM SHEET METALCANS.

APPLICATION FILED 001231, 1902.

H0 MODEL. 7 SHEETS-SHEET 6.

6 M I J i l ll 1 Y s firb x swan EwwWm-x Mam ,6;

K0. 727,324. PATENTED MAY 5, 1903';

0. S. FELLOWS. U MEANS FOR REMOVING SUPERFLUOUS SOLDER FROM SHEET METALCANS.

AFFLIOATION FILED OCT. 31, 1902.

H0 MODEL. 7 SHEETS-SHEBT e v MW 'r MEM v @447 1x2 Nonms PETERS cu,PnoYo-umm wasnmorou u c PATENTED MAY 5, 1903;

0. s. EELLows. MEANS FOR REMOVING SUPERFLUOUS soLnEE FROM SHEET METALCANS.

APPLICATION FILED OUT. 31, 1902.

7 SHEETS-SHEET 1.

N0 MODEL.

UNITED STAT-Es Patented Ma 5, 1903.

PATENT @rricn.

MEANS FOR REMOVING SUPERFLUOUS SOLDER FROM SHEET-METAL CANS.

QEEGIFIGAl-lfififorming part of Letters Patent No. 727,324, dated May 5,1903. Application filetl Octoher 31,1902. n'erialNo.129,518. (No model.)

To all 1072 0122, itvntty concern:

Be it known thatI, OLIN S. FELLOWS, a citi' zen of the United States,residing at Middletown, Orange county, and State of New York, haveinvented certain new and useful Improvements in Means for RemovingSuperfluous Solder-from Sheet-Metal Cans, of which the following is aspecification, sufficient to.

enable others skilled in the art to which the invention appertains tomake and use the same.

Hyimprovements relate to machines for removing superfluous solder fromthe exterior of tin cans; and the invention consists, essen tially, inthe construction and arrangement of parts hereinafter described andclaimed specifically.

A distinguishing feature of my present construction consists in the useof a convex guiding-surface for the cans, in conjunction with an opposedflexible can-forwarding surface, whereby the cans are positively broughtinto engagement with the flexible forward ing-surface, subjected to auniform degree of pressure, and properly spaced for presentation to thesolder-removing mechanism. I thus not only prevent bunching, (thecontact of one can with another,) but also sustain the cans more firmlyin position against the resistance afforded by the solder-removingmechanism, at the same time compensating for any slight variation fromthe standard in the diameter or configuration of the cans individually.

Another feature of my present construction consists in so arranging theparts that the machine is practically reversiblethat isto say, the cansmay be fed in at either end, as desired, according to the direction ofmotion imparted to the can-forwarding belt.

In the accompanying drawings, Figure l is a front elevation of themachine; Fig. 2, a sectional detail, upon an enlargedscale, showing theduplex blast-nozzle;-Fig. 3, a plan of the machine.

vex can-guiding surface is provided. Figs. 5, 6, and 7are respectively atop view, front and side elevations, of one of the standards supportingthe convex can-guiding surface and top rail. Fig. 8 is a rear elevationof the machine. Fig. 9 is a plan of the machine with the covers removed;F- 10, an eleva- Fig. his a detail view of. one of the spring-jaws withwhich the con-.

'tion of the left-hand end of the machine; Fi 11, a vertical section online 11 11, Fig. 3; Fig. 12, a vertical longitudinal section on plane ofline 12 12, Fig. 3; Fig. 13, asectional elevation, upon an enlargedscale, upon plane of line 13 13, Fig. 3. Figs. 14: and 15 arerespectively top and side views of the ad-v justable standard shown inFig. 13; Fig. 16, a longitudinal sectional elevation on plane of line 1616, Fig. 3; Fig. 17, a sectional elevation of the retarding-wheel,showing means for adjusting the same.

In the arrangement of parts shown in the drawings the convexguiding-surface E diverges from the center in both directions withrelation to the opposed surface of the forwarder D, so that the cans maybe fed in at either end of the machine. I do not confine myself,however, to this construction, the essential feature ofmy invention inthis respect consisting in the use of a convex guiding-surface opposedto a flexible can-forwarding surface for presenting cans to the actionof solder-removing devices when the convex guiding-surface is soarranged with relation to such solder-removing devices and to theflexible can'forwarding surface that the cans are successively andpositively forced against the flexible can-forwardin g surface by theconvex guiding-surface, so as to insure effective contact therewith forthe purpose of spacing the cans with relation to each other and sustaining them more effectually while subjected to the action of thesolder-removing devices. In other words, 1 contract the space betweenthe stationary can-guiding surface and the flexible can-forwardingsurface to less than the diameter of the cans to be treated, and 1 hencecause them to bend ordefiect said flexible can-forwarding surface, eventhough the cans may vary slightly in shape or diameter as compared onewith another. I thus obviate a difficulty heretofore encountered in theuse of straight can-guiding surfaces parallel to the forwarding-sorface,in which construction the cans are apt to collect or bunch in contactwith each other by reason of the retarding tendency of the brushingmechanism or lack of accuracy in the size or shape of the cans undertreatment. Thus by the substitution of the convex can-guiding surface inlieu of the straight parallel guide heretofore used I insure positivecontact for each and every can introduced between the flexibleforwarding-surface and the said guidingsu'rface, and in order to enablethe flexible forwarding-belt to adapt itself to any number of cansinterposed between it and the convex guiding-surface it shall exert auniform pressure on each and every can. I hold the forwarding-belt tautby means of an automatic tension device F of any suitable construction,that shown in the drawings consisting of an idler-pulley e, mounted in ayielding bearing 8, actuated by a Weight 6 or equivalent mechanicalexpedient which causes the idler-pulley e to take up any slack;

in the belt D, while yielding to allow the said belt to accommodateitself to the number of cans'introduced between it and theconvexguiding-surfaceE. Thereceivingend of the convex guiding-surface Eis formed with a spring-jaw e which projects eccentrically with relationto the forwarding beltpulley d at that end of the machine. Where themachine is made reversible or right and left handed, as shown in thedrawings, both ends of the'convex guide E are thus furnishedwithspring-jaws e It will be seen that the brushing mechanism issituated centrally in the apparatus with a fluid-blast O O at eitherend,so that the end plate of the can is first subjected to a fluid-blast.Then the cylindrical edge of the can is brushed, and, finally, the endplate is again subjected to a fluid-blast. sult the superfluous solderis first blown from the end plate, aportion of the solder being carriedonto the extreme edge of the can and Keven beyond-theapex of the angleand onto the cylindrical flange of the end plate, from which it ismainlydislodged by the brush, which latter, however, is apt to leave aslight bur or ridge of solder on said apex, to 'be removed by the finalfluid-blast, which cleans and polishes the angle of the plate.

In order to insure this latter result, I use for the second fluid-blasta duplex nozzle G, (shown in detail in Fig.2,') the jet g being directedagainst the inner side of the end plate, while the jet g is directedagainst the angle of the flange thereof, insuring the displacement-ofall solder from the end of'the can. r

The cans are retarded'an'd rotated while subjected to the fluid-blastsby wheels H H, which are mounted in sliding bearings 71 It, so that theymaybe adjusted with relation to the convex guiding-surface for thepurpose of increasing or diminishing thetime during which each can issubmitted to the blast; the protrusion of the periphery of theretardingwlieel beyond said convex-surface governing the surfacetobesurmounted and traversed -by the can before its release from'the'retarding-wheel.

The sections 13 B" are mounted'upon the shaft I), supported in endbearings b b and .an intermediate bearing b ,-which steadies As a reandcentralizes the shaft against lateral strain during use. The said shaftis actuated by spiral gearing in the manner described in my concurrentapplication, Serial No. 127,643, filed October 17, 1902. The sections ofbrush are inclosed when in use by covers a a, hinged to the main covera, which closes the compartment a within the base A.

The convex guiding-surface E is made adjustable with relation to thebrushes and to the forwarding-surface D for the purpose of accuratelydefining the path of the cans by any suitable mechanical expedient, asby forming the bases 6 e of the supportingstandards 6 e with slots 6 ethrough which pass the adjusting-screws e 6 as shown in the drawings.The forwardingbelt D is also made adjustable with relation to thesolderremoving mechanism and the convex surface for the purpose ofadapting the apparatus to the treatment of cans of different diameters.

This is accomplished by making the bearings the slack of thedriving-belt D.

N is the stationary bottom rail for the support of the cans, and M the 7upper rail for confining the cans in position between the convexguiding-surface and the forwardingbelt. This upper rail Mis adjustablevertically upon its standards to accommodate cans of different'lengths,as by means of the slotted brackets m m and bolts m m. (Shown in Figs.5, 6, and 7.)

VVh-at I claim as my invention, and desire to secure by Letters Patient,is

1. In a solder-saving machine, mechanism for removing superfluous solderfrom cans, a convex guiding-surface for presenting the cans to suchsolder-removing mechanism, and a flexible forwarding-surface for feedingthe cans along said convex guiding-surface, substantially as set forth.

2. In a solder-saving machine, mechanism for brushing superfluous solderfrom cans, a convex guiding-surface for presenting the cans to saidbrushing mechanism, and a flexible forwarding-surface for feeding thecans along said convex guiding-surface, substantially as set forth.

3. In a solder-saving machine, mechanism arranged to brush superfluoussolder from the cylindrical edges of cans, a convex guiding-surface forthe cylindrical bodies of the cans arranged to present the cylindricaledges of the cans to said brushing mechanism, and a flexibleforwarding-surfacefor feeding the cans along said convexguiding-surface, substantially as set forth.

4. In a solder T ving machine, mechanism ICC IIO

blasts, substantially as set forth.

for removing superfluous solder from cans, a convex guiding-surface forpresenting the cans to such superfluous solderremoving mechanism, aflexible forwarding-surface for feeding the cans along said convexguidingsurface, and supporting-rails for sustaining the cans againsttransverse movement upon and with relation to said convexguiding-surface, as set forth.

5. In a solder-saving machine, mechanism for brushing superfluous solderfrom cans, a convex guiding-surface for presenting the cans to saidbrushing mechanism, a flexible forwarding-surface for feeding the cansalong said convex guiding-surface, and supportingrails for sustainingthe cans against transverse movement upon and with relation to the saidconvex guiding-surface and against the action of the brushing mechanism,substantially as set forth.

6. In a solder-saving machine, mechanism arranged to brush superfluoussolder from the cylindrical edges of cans, a convex guiding-surface forthe cylindrical bodies of the cans arranged to present the cylindricaledges of the cans along said convex guiding-surface,

and supporting-rails for sustaining the cans against transverse movementupon and with relation to the said convex guiding-surface and againstthe action of the brushing mechanism, as set forth.

7. In a solder-saving machine, mechanism for removing superfluous solderfrom cans bymeans of a plurality of fluid-blasts, a convexvguiding-surface for conducting the cans successively from onefluid-blast to another, a flexible forwarding-surface for feeding thecans along said convex guiding-surface, and mechanism for retarding thecans temporarily and successively at each of the said fluid- 9. In asolder-saving machine, mechanism for removing superfluous solder fromcans by means of a fluid-blast, mechanism for brushing superfluoussolder from cans, a convex guiding-surface for presenting the cans toboth the fluid-blast and the brushing mechanism, and a flexibleforwarding-surface for feeding the cans along said convex surface andpast the fluid-blast and brushing mechanism, substantially as set forth.7

10. In asolder-saving machine, mechanism for first subjecting the cansto the action of a fluid-blast for the purpose of removing super: fluoussolderand mechanism for-subsequently brushing the cans for a likepurpose, in combination with a convex guiding-surface for presenting thecans successively to said fluidblast and said brushing mechanism,together with a flexible forwarding-surface for feeding the cans alongsaid convex guiding-surface and to the solder-removing devices named,substantially as set forth. I ,t

j 11. In a solder-saving machine, mechanism for brushing off superfluoussolder from cans and for subsequently subjecting the cans to the actionof a fluid-blast for a like purpose,

in combination with a convex guiding-surface for presenting the canssuccessively to both the brushing mechanismvand the fluid-blast,together with a flexible forwarding-surface for feeding the cans alongsaid convex guiding-surfacejand to the solder-removing devices named,substantially as set forth.

12. In a solder-saving machine, mechanism for first subjecting the cansto theaction of a fluid-blast, then to the action of brushing.

mechanism, and thento the action of another fluid-blast forthe purposeof removing superfluous solder from the cans, in combination with aconvex guiding-surface for presenting the cans successively to saidsolder-removing devices, together with a flexible forwardingsurface for,feeding the cans along said convex guidingsurface, substantially as setforth.

18. In solder-savingapparatus, the combi 14. In a solder-saving machine,mechanism for first subjecting the cans to the action of a fluid-blast,then to the action of brushing mechanism, and then again to the actionof a fluid-blast for the purpose of removing superi fluous solder fromthe cans, together with means for conveying the cans to and from saidsolder-removing devices, substantially as set forth. a

nation of mechanism for first subjecting the I i I 15. Insolder-savingapparatus, the combiend plate of a can to a fluid-blastarranged to remove superfluous solder from said endplate and then to theaction of brushing mechanism arranged to remove superfluous solder froma cylindrical end of the can, a convex guiding-surface and a flexibleforwardingsurface for conveying the cans to andfrom i said fluid-blastand brushingmechanism, and

means for adjusting said convex can-guiding it surface with relation to,the said fluid-blast and the said brushing mechanismysubstantially asand for the purpose set forth. i

16. In a solder-saving machine, mechanism for first subjecting the endplate of a can to I a fluid-blast arranged toremove superfluous solderfrom said end plate, then to the action it of brushing mechanism, forremoving super-' fluous solder from a cylindrical edge of the can andthen to the action of another fluidblast arranged to clean and polishthe end plate after the action of the brush, together with means forconveying the cans to and from said solder-removing devices,substantially as set forth.

17. In a solder-saving machine, mechanism for first subjecting-the endplate of a can to a fluid-blast arranged to remove superfluous solderfrom said end plate, and then to the action of brushing mechanismarranged to remove superfluous solder from a cylindrical end of the can,in combination with a convex guiding-surface and an opposed flexibleforwarding-surface arranged and acting in conjunction to present thecanssuccessively to the action of said solder-removing devices,substantially as set forth.

18. In a solder-saving machine, mechanism for first subjecting the endplate of a can to afluid-blast arranged to remove superfluous solderfrom said end plate, then to the action of brushing mechanism arrangedto remove superfluous solder from a cylindrical end of the can and nextto a supplementary fluidblast arranged to clean and polish the end plateafter the action of the brush, in combination with a convexguiding-surface and an opposed flexible forwarding-surface arranged andacting in conjunction to present the cans successively to the action ofthe said solderremoving devices, substantially as set forth.

19.1In a solder-saving machine, a plurality of brushes for removingsuperfluous solder from the cylindrical edges of cans, in combinationwith a convex guiding-surface and an opposed flexible forwarding-surfacearranged and acting in conjunction to present the cans successively tothe action of the said plurality of brushes, substantially as set forth.

20. In a solder-saving machine, mechanism for brushing superfluous.solder from cans, a convex guidingsurface for presenting the cans tosaid brushing mechanism, said convexguiding-surface being arranged inproximity to the brushing mechanism, and a flexible forwarding-surfaceopposed to said brushing mechanism and to the said convexguidingsurface,and arranged to feed the cans along said convex surface and against thebrushing mechanism, substantially as set forth.

21. In a solder-saving machine, a substantially horizontalsupporting-rail, a substantially vertical convex guiding-surface, asubstantially Vertical forwarding-surface, and solder-removin gmechanism arranged to treat the cans forwarded on end on saidsupporting-rail by and between the said convex guiding-surface and saidflexible forwarding-sur- -face,substantially as set forth.

ing-surface opposed to said convex guidingsurface and arranged to feedthe cans over said convex guiding-surface and against the brushingmechanism, substantially as set forth. v

' 23. In a solder-saving machine, a rigid convex can-guiding surface andan opposed flexible can-forwarding surface consisting of an endlessbelt, together with mechanism for removing superfluous solder from thecans forble'can-forwarding surface consisting of an endless belt, incombination with brushing mechanism arranged to remove superfluoussolder from cans forwarded over said convex guiding-surface by saidendless belt, substantially as set forth.

26. In a solder-saving machine, a rigid convex can-guiding surface andan opposed flexible can-forwarding surface consisting of an endlessbelt, in combination with means for directing a fluid-blast against thecans forwarded over said convex guiding-surface for the purpose ofremoving superfluous solder from said cans, substantially as set forth.

27. In a solder-saving machine, a rigid convex can-guiding surface andan opposed flexible can-forwarding surface consisting of an endlessbelt, in combination with means for directing a fluid-blast against thecans forwarded over said convex guiding-surface for the purpose ofremoving superfluous solder from said cans, and means for retarding androtating said cans successively while subjected to the action of thesaid fl uid-blast, substantially as set forth.

28. In a solder-saving machine, a rigid convex can-guiding surface andan opposed flexible can-forwarding surface consisting of an endlessbelt, in combination with can-brushing mechanism and means for directinga fluid-blast against the cans forwarded over said convexguiding-surface whereby superfluous solder is brushed and blown from theexterior surfaces of said cans, substantially as set forth.

29. In a'solder-saving machine, a rigid convex can-guiding surface andan opposed flexible'can-forwarding surface consisting of an endlessbelt, in combination with brushing mechanism arranged to removesuperfluous solder from the cylindrical edges of cans forwarded oversaid convex guiding-surface, means for retarding and rotating the canssuccessively as they are forwarded by said endless belt, and means fordirecting a fluidblast against the end plate of a can so retarded androtated for the purpose of removing superfluous solder from the endplate of said can, substantially as set forth.

30. In a solder-saving machine, mechanism for removing superfluoussolder from cans, a convex guiding-surface for presenting the cans tosuch solder-removing mechanism, a flexible forwarding-surface forfeeding the cans along said convex guiding-surface, and means forregulating the tension of said flexi ble can-forwarding surface,substantially as set forth.

31. In a solder-saving machine, mechanism for removing superfluoussolder from cans, a convex guiding-surface for presenting the cans tosuch solder-removing mechanism, of an endless belt for feeding the cansalong said convex guiding-surface, and means for regulating the tensionof said belt for the purpose and substantially as set forth.

32. In a solder-saving machine, mechanism for removing superfluoussolder from cans, a convex guiding-surface for presenting the cans tosuch solder-removing mechanism, an endless belt for feeding'the cansalong said convex guiding'surface, and means for automaticallyregulating the tension of the said belt, for the purpose described.

33. In asolder-saving machine, mechanism for removing superfluous solderfrom cans, a convex guiding-surface for presenting the cans to suchsolder-saving mechanism, an endless belt for feeding the cans along saidconvex guiding-surface, an idler-pulley engaging said forWarding-belt,and means for pressing said idler-pulley against said belt with ayielding pressure, whereby the belt automatically adapts itself to thenumber of cans passing over said convex guiding-surface, substantiallyas set forth.

34. In a solder-savin g machine, mechanism for removing superfluoussolder from cans, a convex guiding-surface for presenting the cans tosuch solder-saving mechanism, an endless belt for feeding the cans alongsaid convex surface, and a suspended Weight and connections arranged tohold the said belt to a uniform degree of pressure, substantially as setforth.

35. In a solder-saving machine, mechanism for removing superfluoussolder from cans, a convex guiding-surface for presenting the cans tosuch solder-saving mechanism, an endless belt for feeding the cans alongsaid convex guiding-surface, an idler-pulley engaging saidforWarding-belt and mounted in a sliding bearing, and a suspended Weightsecured to said sliding'bearing, whereby the belt is made toautomatically adapt itself to the number of cans upon the said convexguiding-surface and to exert a uniform pressure upon the cansirrespective of the number thereof, substantially as set forth.

36. In a solder-saving machine, mechanism for removing superfluoussolder from cans, a convex guiding-surface for presenting the cans tosaid solder-removing mechanism, a flexible forwarding-surface forpassing the cans over said convex guiding-surface and means foradjusting said flexible can-forwarding surface with relationto saidconvex guiding-surface, for the purpose set forth.

37. In a solder-saving machine, mechanism for removing superfluoussolder from cans, a convex guiding-surface for presenting the cans tosaid solder-removing mechanism, a flexible forwarding-surface consistingof an endless belt arranged to pass the cans over said convexguiding-surface, and means for adjusting said endless belt with relationto the said convex guiding-surface, for the purpose set forth.

38. In a solder-saving machine, mechanism for brushing superfluoussolder from cans, a convex guiding-surface for presenting the cans tosaid brushing mechanism, a flexible forwarding-surface consisting ofanendless belt arranged to pass the cans over said convexguiding-surface and in contact with said brushing mechanism, and meansfor adjusting said endless belt with relation to said convexguiding-surface and said brushing mechanism, substantially as set forth.

39. In asolder-saving machine, mechanism for'removing superfluous solderfrom cans, a convex guiding-surface for, presenting the cans to saidsolder-removing mechanism, a flexible forwarding-surface for passing thecans over said convex guiding-surface, and means for adjusting saidconvex guidingsurface with relation to the said solder-removingmechanism, for the purpose set forth.

40. In asolder-savingmachine, mechanism for removing superfluous solderfrom cans, a convex guiding-surface for presenting the cans to saidsolder-removing mechanism, a flexible forwarding-surface for passing thecans over said convex guiding-surface,and means for adjusting saidconvex guidingsurface with relation to said flexible can-forwardingsurface, substantially as described.

41. In asolder-saving machine, mechanism for brushing superfluous solderfrom cans, a convex guiding-surface for presenting the cans to saidbrushing mechanism, a flexible forwarding-surface for passing the cansover said convex guiding-surface and in contact with the brush, andmeans for adjusting said convex guiding-surface with relation to saidbrushing mechanism, substantially as set forth.

42. In a solder-saving machine, means for projecting a fluid-blastagainst the end plate of a can, a convex guiding-surface for conductingthe cans to said fluid-blast, an opposed flexible forWarding-surface foradvancing the cans over said convex guiding-surface, a wheel oppositesaid fluid-blast arranged to retard and rotate each can While the latteris subjected to the fluid-blast and means for adjusting saidretarding-Wheel with relation to said convex guiding-surface and saidflexible can-forwarding surface, substantially as set forth.

43. In asolder-saving machine, mechanism for removing superfluous solderfrom cans, a convex guiding-surface for presenting the cans to saidsolder-removing mechanism, a flexible forwarding-surface for passing thecan along said convex guiding-surface, said convex guiding-surface beingformed with a spring-jaw at its receiving end for guiding the cans inbetween said flexible forwardingsurface and the said convexguiding-surface, substantially as set forth.

44;. In a solder-saving apparatus, mechanism for removing superfluoussolder from cans, a stationary convex guiding-surface for presenting thecans to the said solder-removing mechanism, and a flexibleforwarding-surface consisting of an endless belt arranged to pass thecans over said stationary convex guiding-surface in either direction toand from said solder-removing mechanism,

according to the direction in which said fiexible forwarding-surface ismade to travel, for the purpose and substantially in the mannerdescribed.

45. In asolder-saving machine, mechanism for removing su perfl uoussolder from cans consisting of brushing mechanism interposed between twofluid-blasts, a convex guiding-surface for presenting the cans to saidsolderremoving mechanism, and an endless belt arranged to forward thecans over said convex guiding-surface in either direction, substantially as set forth.

46. In solder-saving apparatus, the combination of mechanism forremoving superfluous solder from cans,a stationary convexguiding-surface for presenting the cans to said solder-removingmechanism, a flexible canforwarding surface, means for adjusting saidcan-forwarding surface with relation to said stationary convexguiding-surface, and a canretaining rail which is adjustable withrelation to the solder-removing mechanism for the purpose of adaptingthe apparatus to more than one size of can, substantially as set forth.

47. In solder-saving apparatus, the combination of an elongated brushfor removing superfluous solder from cans, said brush being made in twosections mounted upon the same shaft, a stationary convexguiding-surface for presenting the cans to the said sectional brush anda flexible forwarding-surface consisting of an endless belt arranged topass the cans over said stationary convex guiding-surface in eitherdirection to and from said sectional brush according to the directionsin which said flexible forwarding-surface is made to travel, for thepurpose and substantially in the manner described.

48. In a solder-saving machine, the combination with a stationary convexguiding-surface, and with a flexible can-forwarding surface consistingof an endless belt, of an elongated brush arranged in proximity to thesaid convex guiding surface, and substantially parallel thereto, saidelongated brush being made in two sections mounted upon the same shaft,with a shaft-bearing between them in addition to the end bearings of theshaft, whereby the alinement of both sections of the brush is insuredwith relation tothe said convex can-guidin g surface, and the saidopposed can-forwarding surface, substantially as set forth.

49. In a solder-saving machine, the combination with a stationarycan-guiding surface, and with an endless belt for forwarding cans oversaid stationary guiding-surface, of an elongated brush arranged parallelto said stationary guiding-surface and said forwardingbelt, saidelongated brush being made in two sections mounted upon the same shaftwith a shaft-bearing between them in addition to the end bearings ofthe. shaft, whereby the perfect alinement of both sections of the brushis maintained, substantially as and for the purpose herein set forth.

50. In a solder-saving machine, the combination with a stationarycan-guiding surface, and with an endless belt for forwarding cans oversaid stationary guiding-surface, of an elongated brush arrangedsubstantially parallel to said stationary guiding-surface and saidforwarding-belt, said elongated brush being made in two sections mountedupon the same shaft with a shaft-bearing between them in addition to theend bearings of the shaft, and each section of the brush being inclosedby a cover for the purpose and substantially in the manner set forth.

51. In solder-saving apparatus the combination of can forwarding andretarding mech- I anism and a nozzle formed with two convergent nipplesarranged to simultaneously project fluid under pressure radially againstthe edge of an end plate of a can, the one nipple directing the fluidunder pressure radially against the inner edge of the can-plate, and theother nipple directing the fluid radially under pressure against theapex of the edge of the can end plate. where the latter is bent overupon the can-body, for the purpose and substantially in the manner setforth.

53. In solder-saving apparatus, the combination of mechanism forremoving superfluous solder from cans, a stationary guidingsurface forpresenting cans to said solder-removing mechanism, and a flexibleforwardlug-surface and flexible forwarding-surface, substantially as setforth.

OLIN S. FELLOWS.

Witnesses:

D. W. GARDNER, FRANK E. ROAOH.

